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Local Democracy Reporting
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Local Democracy Reporting - Latest News [Page 1]
New Plymouth Council Staff Told Off For Lack Of Kōrero On Revamp
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:22 pm | Craig Ashworth - Local Democracy Reporting
The council’s Future Local Government programme director Helen Gray admitted the shortfall to Te Huinga Taumatua – the iwi advisory committee. More >>
Council Hits The Accelerator On Rolleston Ring-Road Roundabout
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:18 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Head of capital works David Spriggs said the request was about going to the market to get tenders, not awarding a contract, and signalling the money would be available to make a stronger push for co-funding. More >>
Ashburton Council Eyes 10% Rates Cap Ahead Of Government's 4% Limit
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:14 pm | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Ashburton Mayor Liz McMillan says the council is looking at a sliding scale of rates caps in its long-term plan, which sets out its budget and priorities for 2027-37. More >>
Fixing Historic, Contentious Petone Wharf One Step Closer
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:11 pm | Justin Wong - Local Democracy Reporter
The council long-term plan set aside $12m to either repair or demolish the wharf. Strengthening the entire wharf was estimated to cost more than $14m and demolishing it was expected to cost $6m. More >>
Cool Weather Delaying Work On Ōpōtiki's Matekerepu Bridge
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:08 pm | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor David Moore said the road was not the responsibility of the council as it is part of New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi's state highway system. More >>
Whanganui Councillors Encouraged To Be Intentional With Pronunciation During Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:06 pm | Moana Ellis - Local Democracy Reporter
Māori ward councillor Julie Herewini raised the importance of correctly pronouncing Whanganui at Tuesday’s district council meeting, as councillors discussed an update to the Strategy for Whanganui. More >>
DOC Working To Reopen West Coast Cave For Visitors
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 5:03 pm | Vihan Dalal - Local Democracy Reporter
DOC principal ranger for Buller, Ross Thomas, said they were awaiting West Coast Regional Council approval after filing a consent application in the past couple of weeks. More >>
Lifelong Interest In Astronomy Leads To Dark Sky Venture
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 4:59 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
As the Kaikōura community marks two years since obtaining international dark sky sanctuary status, one of the proponents who worked tirelessly to promote the night sky has launched a new astrotourism business. More >>
Barefoot Bandit: Why This Train Enthusiast Goes Shoeless
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 4:56 pm | Linda Hall - Local Democracy Reporter
Wayne Clark is known for driving his engines barefoot, but it’s not just on the engine that Clark ditches his shoes. More >>
Kaikōura's Long-Term Plan Set To Lose Water Performance
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 4:53 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
The Kaikōura District Council is preparing a Long Term Plan without water services. More >>
Waikato Regional Council Posts $40M Loss On Public Transport As Fares Rise
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 4:50 pm | Jordan Smith - Local Democracy Reporter
Operating the public transport system cost the council $51.1 million in the 25/26 financial year, according to a report to the public transport subcommittee. More >>
Farmers Question ‘Fairness’ Of 230-Home Amberley Sub-Division
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 4:47 pm | David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter
Farmers have their say on proposed Amberley housing development. More >>
Tokoroa's New $2 Million Hub Reflects Changing Face Of Public Libraries
Sunday, 20 September 2026, 4:44 pm | Bronson Perich - Local Democracy Reporter
The South Waikato town’s Huihuinga Rau Community Hub & Library is now open to the public. More >>
'Absolutely A Risk': Rotorua Could Lose Some Pensioner Homes For Good
Friday, 18 September 2026, 12:34 pm | Mathew Nash - Local Democracy Reporter
Lucas Place demolition looms as 14 pensioner housing tribunal cases continue. More >>
Feilding Ditches Town Centre Cover, But Last-Minute Alternative Suggestion Wins Support
Thursday, 17 September 2026, 1:04 pm | Rebecca Hogan - Local Democracy Reporter
A permanent cover wouldn’t be installed, but mayor Michael Ford suggested trialling a $25,000 marquee next winter to test the value of weatherproofing the site. More >>
Carterton Rates Shake-Up: New Tool Shows Impact On Ratepayers
Thursday, 17 September 2026, 12:49 pm | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
Carterton Mayor Steve Cretney said the new tool was designed to help people understand how the proposals could affect their own properties. More >>
Closed-Door Debate On New Masterton Town Hall
Thursday, 17 September 2026, 11:52 am | Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter
“While the budget covers the cost of a fully functioning venue, we have heard there is interest from the community in supporting fundraising efforts for the Town Hall,” said Mayor Bex Johnson. More >>
Selwyn Appoints Mana Whenua Representative As Government Axes Voting Rights
Thursday, 17 September 2026, 11:48 am | Jonathan Leask - Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Lydia Gliddon said the council already made the unanimous decision they wished to have a mana whenua representative in March, and it was an “important moment for our council” to be accepting the person put forward by Te Taumutu Rūnanga. More >>
Menacing Dogs Jump Fence And Bite Woman In Ōpōtiki
Thursday, 17 September 2026, 10:50 am | Diane McCarthy - Local Democracy Reporter
Awhina Kurei received three bites to her legs and says she has lost the sense of safety she formerly felt on the streets of her hometown. More >>
International Visitor Levy Welcomed, But Here's What's Missing
Thursday, 17 September 2026, 10:32 am | Ayla Yeoman - Local Democracy Reporter
“While tourism brings many benefits, it also puts extra pressure on infrastructure & services, particularly in places like Waihī Beach where visitor numbers can exceed the resident population during peak holidays,” said Western Bay Mayor James Denyer More >>
